Today, a big moment is unfolding in the world of cryptocurrency as Brian Quintenz prepares to speak. He is set to appear before the Senate Agriculture Committee at 3 PM EST. Quintenz will share exciting news about the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) authority in his prepared remarks. CFTC’s Potential Leap into Spot Crypto Regulation:
Since US President Donald Trump assumed office, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has dropped, settled, or paused lawsuits against prominent crypto entities left and right. In stark contrast to the previous administration’s leadership under Chair Gary Gensler, the SEC seems to be parting from its previous crackdown on digital assets.
In an interview with BeInCrypto, Nick Puckrin, Founder of The Coin Bureau, and Hank Huang, Chief Executive Officer at Kronos Research, highlighted the substantial election influence the crypto industry had over Trump’s candidacy as a contributing factor to the SEC’s looser stance on crypto.
The SEC’s Approach Under Trump
The SEC has experienced a clear shift in its approach to crypto lawsuits under Trump’s presidency. Its move away from the aggressive enforcement tactics of its previous leadership has largely characterized this shift.
“When President Donald Trump won the US election, the crypto industry rejoiced. Finally, the ‘regulation by enforcement’ era, which the SEC under the leadership of Gary Gensler was so famous for, was about to come to an end. And the new administration didn’t disappoint. Within just a couple of weeks of Trump’s inauguration, the revamped SEC started dropping lawsuits against crypto firms left, right and center,” Puckrin said.
Two weeks ago, the SEC officially dropped its appeal and XRP lawsuit against Ripple Labs, ending a five-year legal battle. The Commission had originally accused Ripple of conducting an unregistered securities offering worth $1.3 billion through XRP sales.
“After more than four years in limbo, the SEC has officially decided that XRP is not a security (though what it is instead remains to be seen). This case has been weighing heavily on XRP – the fourth largest cryptocurrency with a market cap of roughly $130 billion– so its resolution is a major win,” Puckrin added.
The wider crypto community celebrated the outcome, with many arguing that it will set a precedent for how digital assets are classified in the US. This prediction is warranted, given that the SEC has been on a lawsuit-dropping spree.
The SEC has also dropped several ongoing investigations against OpenSea, Robinhood, Uniswap Labs, Kraken, and Gemini. It has also asked a federal court to issue a 60-day pause over its litigation against Binance. Meanwhile, the Commission settled its investigation into ConsenSys over its Ethereum software products.
These lawsuits surfaced in parallel to a series of crypto-friendly measures meant to foster greater innovation and curb potential regulatory suffocation that had existed during the Biden era.
Will New Leadership Define Clear Crypto Regulations?
A day after Trump assumed office, SEC Acting Chairman Mark Uyeda announced the creation of a dedicated crypto task force led by Commissioner Hester Peirce. The task force was reportedly designed to resolve long-standing ambiguities in the regulatory treatment of digital assets.
In all SEC crypto lawsuits, Commissioner Uyeda has implemented a strategy prioritizing industry engagement to develop regulatory frameworks that balance innovation and investor protection.
Meanwhile, Trump strategically nominated Paul Atkins, a crypto-curious, regulation-light candidate, to replace Gensler as head of the SEC. Just this week, the Senate Banking Committee voted to advance Atkins’ nomination to the full Senate.
Now, only a stone’s throw away from becoming SEC Chair, Atkins is expected to loosen regulatory oversight on crypto.
“With the establishment of a new Task Force and key appointees like Paul Atkins fostering innovation, Trump’s strategic move to create a Bitcoin reserve within the government further underscores his commitment to supporting the industry. The future of crypto regulations will be focused on less oversight and the beginning of a delicate but promising thaw in the regulatory landscape,” Huang added.
Though some say Trump’s handling of crypto affairs has resulted in a never-before-seen triumph, others are weary that his increasing involvement in the industry has turned out to be a recipe for disaster.
The Impact of Crypto Donations on Regulations
Several industry leaders went to great lengths to ensure that Trump became America’s 47th president. Millions of dollars in donations from crypto firms throughout Trump’s campaign illustrated these efforts.
According to a Public Citizen report, over $119 million from crypto corporations went into influencing the 2024 federal elections, largely through Fairshake, a non-partisan super PAC backing pro-crypto candidates and opposing skeptics.
Crypto corporations donated over $119 million to the 2024 federal elections. Source: Public Citizen
Coinbase and Ripple, among others who stand to profit, directly provided over half of Fairshake’s funding. The remaining funds mostly came from billionaire crypto executives and venture capitalists. Notable contributions included $44 million from the founders of Andreessen Horowitz, $5 million from the Winklevoss twins, and $1 million from Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong.
So far, big crypto’s spending strategy is paying off with a more favorable environment.
Without a clear framework to guide the crypto industry following these dropped lawsuits, this lax approach risks being short-lived. Ultimately, this could tarnish long-term crypto adoption.
“Somehow, all these victories feel somewhat hollow after the reputation of the crypto industry has been tarnished by the billions of dollars in combined losses from meme coin scams. Meanwhile, Hayden Davis, the mastermind behind LIBRA, continues to launch fraudulent meme tokens, despite being on the Interpol wanted list,” he said.
A 2024 report by Web3 intelligence platform Merkle Science revealed that meme coin rug pulls cost investors over $500 million. The February LIBRA incident showed how this trend was carried over to 2025. Nansen data revealed that 86% of investors lost $251 million, while insiders pocketed $180 million in profits.
Though crypto scammers may be charged with related crimes like wire fraud or money laundering, rug pulling is legal. Better said, it’s unaccounted for. No regulation holds crypto insiders responsible for meme coin scams.
“As crypto becomes an ever more mainstream asset class, consumers need to be protected against those who choose to use it for nefarious purposes. One way to do this is through education, and that’s our job as an industry. But deterring scams and extractive behavior is the job of the regulators. And it’s time they stepped up to the task,” Puckrin told BeInCrypto.
If the SEC doesn’t take advantage of this opportunity to curb the consequences that meme coin scams can produce, it will result in an enormous setback for the industry.
Comprehensive Regulation Beyond Dropped Lawsuits
Puckrin illustrated the need for heightened regulatory clarity in crypto by drawing attention to the way the SEC penalizes insider trading in the context of traditional investing.
“In traditional investing, insider trading is a serious crime. In the US, it’s punishable by fines of up to $5 million for individuals and prison sentences up to 20 years. Similarly, federal penalties for engaging with illegal gambling activities include up to five years in prison. Perpetrators of memecoin scams must be punished with the same level of severity, because the result is the same: manipulating markets and cheating unsuspecting investors out of their savings,” he said.
Puckrin clarified, however, that the issue isn’t solely about penalizing fraudsters. Just as the SEC’s past overregulation hindered the industry, the current lack of meme coin rules creates an environment where new scams and exploitative schemes can easily flourish.
“Yes, the removal of lawsuits is great news for blockchain innovation, but something needs to replace it. Indeed, serious cryptocurrency firms have never advocated for an unregulated Wild West. What they want is clarity and rules that are fit for the nascent blockchain industry – not just a copy-and-paste of existing financial regulations that simply don’t work for crypto,” he said.
Although the Trump administration has only been in place for four months, the clock is ticking, and meaningful change takes time.
Unanswered Questions Loom
Puckrin expressed concern over the current administration’s prioritization of lawsuit dismissals instead of working faster to implement transcendental crypto regulation.
“My concern is that regulators will keep kicking the can down the road with crypto regulation, having gained the approval of the industry for dropping the many lawsuits that were stifling its growth. And this is incredibly dangerous,” he told BeInCrypto.
Meanwhile, critical questions that only the SEC can define remain unanswered.
“What are memecoins and who will ensure another LIBRA fiasco doesn’t happen? Are utility altcoins now commodities and if so, will the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regulate them? And, importantly, what do we do about compensating investors who have lost billions to crypto fraud?” Puckrin concluded.
The SEC’s current direction promises a regulated renaissance or a breeding ground for future crises.
With billions lost and critical questions unanswered, the future of crypto hinges on whether the regulatory body will translate its recent shift into a lasting framework that fosters innovation without sacrificing investor protection.
Despite ongoing legal battles, Ripple’s XRP token continues to garner increasing attention, with many in the crypto space showing optimism about its future. A recent survey by Patrick Bet-David showed this shift, showing that 43.8% of respondents believe Ripple has the best long-term tech, while Bitcoin only received 35% of the vote. According to social media, Bitcoin investors are feeling frustrated and confused by the growing excitement surrounding the XRP community.
Eric Yakes, author and Managing Partner at EpochVC, expressed his thoughts on the situation, explaining that Ripple’s long-standing presence in the market has sparked interest. “Ripple has been around since 2012, and the question remains: How has it been used? What’s been done with it?” Yakes said. While Ripple’s network initially aimed to facilitate remittance payments and serve as a banking settlement system, its focus has shifted toward creating a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), a direction Yakes opposes.
“Its best case scenario is that it’s a CBDC and its XRP token is not going to be used for that. There isn’t value that’s going to accrue to that token, so if you’re thinking that, it’s never going to win,” he said.
Despite concerns over its past marketing tactics, Ripple’s ability to generate significant value through a large pre-mine and effective marketing campaigns has caught the attention of investors.
Ripple’s involvement in facilitating payments through RippleNet currently sees $7 billion in payments processed annually, even amid an ongoing lawsuit with the SEC. This success has created a narrative that’s helping XRP gain traction, leaving Bitcoin investors questioning why Ripple’s project is thriving in the face of adversity.
The post ‘Ripple is Never Going to Win’: Popular Author Questions XRP’s Real Use Case appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Despite ongoing legal battles, Ripple’s XRP token continues to garner increasing attention, with many in the crypto space showing optimism about its future. A recent survey by Patrick Bet-David showed this shift, showing that 43.8% of respondents believe Ripple has the best long-term tech, while Bitcoin only received 35% of the vote. According to social …
In an exclusive AMA session hosted by BeInCrypto, Dmitry Lazarichev, Co-Founder of Wirex, unveiled the company’s bold expansion into the U.S. market. With a focus on self-custody, seamless crypto-to-fiat conversions, and real-world usability, Wirex Pay is set to shake up how Americans interact with digital assets.
From spending stablecoins at 80 million merchants via Visa to instant on/off-ramp features powered by Bridge, Wirex is an all-inclusive payments platform. Lazarichev explained how this move addresses the growing U.S. demand for crypto solutions that combine speed, security, and control without sacrificing the convenience of traditional finance.
In this AMA, Lazarichev also shared how Wirex empowers users with full ownership of their funds, fosters DeFi adoption via its WXT token, and ensures enterprise-grade security. Let’s get into it!
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AMA Session With Wirex
BeInCrypto: Today, we have a special guest speaker – Dmitry Lazarichev, Co-Founder of Wirex (@DmitryWirex)!
Ok, let’s start with this question
What motivated Wirex to expand its stablecoin payment platform to the U.S.?
Dmitry Lazarichev: The decision to expand Wirex’s stablecoin payment platform to the U.S. was motivated by the growing demand for seamless and secure crypto payment solutions in the country.
The U.S. has long been a leader in the adoption of digital assets, with both consumers and businesses seeking practical ways to leverage crypto in everyday transactions.
By bringing Wirex Pay to the U.S., we aim to meet this demand and offer users a simple, reliable way to use stablecoins in real-world payments while maintaining control over their assets.
Expanding to the U.S. was a strategic move to tap into a market that is rapidly evolving in terms of crypto adoption. The U.S. offers a unique combination of a large user base, innovation-driven businesses, and regulatory frameworks that support the growth of digital assets.
By providing Wirex Pay, we can facilitate the adoption of stablecoin-based transactions, which offer a more stable and secure alternative to traditional financial systems.
BIC: How does Wirex Pay differ from other payment platforms available in the U.S.?
Dmitry: Wirex Pay differentiates itself from other payment platforms by being a self-custodial solution. This means that users retain full control over their funds at all times, unlike many platforms that require users to trust a third party to manage their assets.
Additionally, Wirex Pay allows users to spend stablecoins at over 80 million merchants globally, thanks to its integration with Visa’s payment network. We also offer real-time conversions between crypto and fiat, ensuring smooth transactions without the need for complex wallet transfers or exchanges.
The core difference lies in the control we offer to our users. Most platforms are custodial, meaning they hold your assets in their wallets. Wirex Pay, however, allows users to retain ownership of their funds while making seamless payments through Visa’s global network.
This gives users the flexibility to spend stablecoins without needing to convert them to fiat first, making the process faster, simpler, and more secure.
BIC: What are the key features of Wirex Pay that U.S. users should be excited about?
Dmitry: U.S. users should be particularly excited about the instant on/off-ramp solutions provided through our partnership with Bridge, which allow for seamless, real-time conversions between stablecoins and fiat. This feature eliminates the delays typically associated with converting crypto to traditional currencies, making it easier to use digital assets in daily life.
In addition, users can benefit from real-time on-chain swaps for stablecoins and fiat, offering them greater flexibility and control. The ability to spend stablecoins directly at millions of merchants through the Visa network is also a standout feature.
The convenience of instant conversions ensures that users can access their funds in whichever form they need—whether crypto or fiat—without waiting for transactions to settle. This feature not only improves the user experience but also reduces friction in the transaction process.
Plus, having access to a wide range of merchants through Visa integration makes it incredibly convenient for users to pay with stablecoins wherever they go.
BIC: Can you explain how the collaboration with Bridge improves the user experience for U.S. customers and share more details about how stablecoin orchestration works through Bridge?
Dmitry: The collaboration with Bridge significantly enhances the Wirex user experience by making stablecoin transactions faster, more secure, and hassle-free. Bridge allows for real-time orchestration of stablecoin conversions, meaning users don’t have to manually swap assets or rely on third parties for transactions.
This process is automated and seamless, enabling users to convert between stablecoins and fiat instantly. For U.S. customers, this integration ensures that their funds are always available and ready to be spent, reducing wait times and simplifying the entire experience.
Bridge’s technology essentially streamlines the conversion process, so users don’t have to worry about manually exchanging stablecoins or worrying about market fluctuations. This automated orchestration provides a frictionless experience for users, ensuring that their transactions are not only fast but also secure.
By handling conversions behind the scenes, Bridge allows us to offer a more intuitive and efficient platform for U.S. users.
BIC: What are the benefits of using Wirex Pay via card and bank transfers while maintaining full control over funds?
Dmitry: The main benefit of using Wirex Pay via card and bank transfers is that it allows users to maintain full control over their funds while still making payments in a way that feels familiar. Users don’t need to trust a third party with their assets, as they can link their non-custodial wallets directly to the platform.
This gives them the flexibility to spend stablecoins at millions of merchants, without losing control of their crypto. Additionally, Wirex Pay offers seamless integration between crypto and traditional finance, so users can convert funds as needed without extra steps or delays.
The self-custodial nature of Wirex Pay is a game-changer for users who want to keep their crypto assets secure while still using them for daily purchases. This model eliminates the risk associated with custodial services, where assets are held by a third party.
Plus, the flexibility to use cards and bank transfers makes the platform accessible for a wider range of users, offering them the convenience of traditional payment methods while still enjoying the benefits of using stablecoins.
BIC: What kind of impact will the instant on/off-ramp solutions provided by Bridge have on U.S. users’ ability to convert crypto to fiat and vice versa?
Dmitry: The instant on/off-ramp solutions offered through Bridge will have a significant impact on U.S. users by removing the friction typically associated with crypto-to-fiat conversions.
Users can instantly convert their stablecoins into fiat, and vice versa, without waiting for transactions to settle or worrying about exchange rates.
This will make it much easier for users to use crypto in everyday life, whether they’re paying for goods, sending money, or managing their finances. The instant liquidity ensures that users can access their funds in the form they need, right when they need them.
This functionality is particularly beneficial for users who need to make quick payments or transfer funds between different currencies.
It eliminates the delays usually associated with conversion services, ensuring that users always have immediate access to the currency they require.
As a result, it also helps to make crypto more practical for everyday use, enabling faster transactions with fewer barriers.
BIC: Will the integration with Bridge allow U.S. businesses to accept payments in stablecoins directly? If so, what are the benefits for them?
Dmitry: Yes, U.S. businesses will be able to accept payments in stablecoins directly through Wirex Pay, thanks to our integration with Bridge.
The benefit for businesses is that they can avoid the volatility often associated with traditional cryptocurrencies, as stablecoins are pegged to fiat currencies.
This offers businesses the ability to accept digital payments while maintaining predictable value. It also allows them to tap into a growing customer base that prefers to use crypto for transactions, opening up new revenue streams.
By accepting stablecoins, businesses not only offer a modern payment method but also reduce transaction fees and payment processing times compared to traditional methods.
This can lead to greater efficiency, lower costs, and faster payments, which are key advantages for businesses looking to innovate and attract a tech-savvy customer base.
BIC: How does Wirex envision the future of crypto payments in the U.S., and what role will Wirex play in it?
Dmitry: Wirex envisions a future where crypto payments are integrated seamlessly into everyday life. As more people adopt digital currencies, we see a growing demand for stablecoin payments that are easy to use and widely accepted.
Wirex’s role will be to make these payments as simple and accessible as traditional card payments or bank transfers. We aim to provide the infrastructure and user-friendly tools that make it easy for individuals and businesses to use stablecoins in real-world transactions.
The future of crypto payments is about making digital currencies as easy to use as cash or credit cards. Wirex aims to be at the forefront of this transformation, providing U.S. users with the tools they need to transact easily and securely in a digital economy.
As the market evolves, we’ll continue to refine our platform and expand its capabilities to meet the changing needs of both consumers and businesses.
BIC: What updates and new features can U.S. users expect from Wirex in the next six months to a year?
Dmitry: In the next six months to a year, U.S. users can expect a variety of exciting updates and new features. We’re focused on expanding the range of stablecoins available on the platform, improving transaction speeds, and integrating with more payment systems to enhance user experience.
We’ll also be refining our platform’s security features and introducing additional tools that will make managing crypto assets even easier. These updates will ensure that Wirex remains a top choice for crypto payments in the U.S.
In addition to these enhancements, we’ll be rolling out improvements based on user feedback, ensuring that our platform meets the evolving needs of our growing U.S. user base.
The goal is to make Wirex Pay even more accessible and feature-rich, making it easier for U.S. users to navigate and manage their digital assets with confidence.
BIC: Now, my favourite part — questions from our Community
@Nauraa42: How does WXT bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance (DeFi), and what role does it play in Wirex’s long-term vision of integrating crypto into everyday financial transactions?
Dmitry: WXT, Wirex’s native token, plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance, acting as the bridge that connects these two worlds within the Wirex ecosystem. Through its utility, WXT helps to simplify the user experience, making DeFi more accessible to both crypto enthusiasts and traditional finance users.
One of the key ways WXT bridges this gap is by offering users a seamless way to participate in DeFi services while also engaging in everyday financial transactions. WXT can be used for earning rewards, and accessing exclusive benefits within the Wirex platform.
These features enable traditional finance users to explore DeFi in a straightforward and familiar manner. For example, users can earn rewards by staking WXT, gaining exposure to DeFi principles like yield farming, without needing to fully immerse themselves in complex DeFi protocols. This hands-on approach provides an easy entry point for those new to the space.
In the long run, WXT plays a key role in Wirex’s mission to make digital finance mainstream. By incorporating WXT into both DeFi activities and everyday transactions, Wirex is positioning itself as a bridge that connects users to the benefits of decentralized finance while ensuring they have the tools and rewards they need to make crypto a regular part of their financial lives.
BIC: @PaulTan001: Wirex is fantastic, and it has good ideas. Each project has interesting stories before it is created. So can you tell us about the story, problems, difficulties, etc., that gave you the motivation to build and develop Wirex?
Dmitry: Absolutely! Pavel Matveev and I, in fact, discussed the inspiration and journey behind Wirex in a recent anniversary episode of the Wirex Crypto Podcast.
We reflected on the exciting moments and the challenges we faced along the way in building the platform from the ground up. If you’re curious about our journey, the lessons we’ve learned, and the vision behind Wirex, make sure to check out the full episode here:
BIC: @tamishabaumann2: How can we trust WIREX and believe it is not a scam project? A lot of rug pulls and exit scams are happening these days.
Dmitry: It’s completely understandable to be cautious, especially with the rise of scams in the crypto space.
However, Wirex is a fully regulated and trusted platform with a proven track record of transparency, security, and compliance. We’re committed to safeguarding our users’ assets and providing them with a reliable, long-term solution for managing both crypto and traditional finance.
At Wirex, security is a top priority. We deploy multiple layers of advanced security measures to protect our customers and their assets. For example, we use Fireblocks Secure MPC Technology, which leverages Multi-Party Computation (MPC) to ensure private keys are never exposed and eliminate any single points of failure. This technology helps secure your assets with institutional-grade protection.
Additionally, all significant withdrawals from Wirex require multi-signature and multi-approval processes, which involve strict approval by authorized personnel using verified devices. This ensures that unauthorized transactions are prevented. We also utilize whitelisted and time-locked transactions, restricting withdrawals to pre-approved addresses and applying time delays for high-value transactions to further mitigate risks.
To further protect our users, Wirex has an advanced fraud and risk management system in place. We continuously monitor transactions for suspicious activity and use automated risk controls and fraud detection algorithms to block unauthorized transfers in real time. We also collaborate with leading cybersecurity and blockchain analytics firms to stay ahead of emerging threats and malicious actors.
Wirex operates in compliance with the highest industry standards. We are ISO 27001 and PCI DSS 4.0 certified, adhering to globally recognized cybersecurity and privacy management standards. Our commitment to regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions, including the UK and Australia, ensures transparency and resilience. Additionally, our security infrastructure undergoes regular third-party audits to validate and strengthen our defenses against evolving threats.
Wirex has been operational for over 10 years, and with the combination of these security protocols, regulatory adherence, and industry best practices, we offer our users peace of mind that their assets are in safe hands. We believe in the power of transparency and security, and we work tirelessly to provide a platform that users can trust.
BIC: @ngocsont993: Can you tell us about WIREX’s team members? Are they qualified and professional in their fields? What are the recruiting qualifications for team members of WIREX?
Dmitry: Absolutely! At Wirex, we are incredibly proud of our team, which is made up of highly skilled and qualified professionals who bring a wide range of expertise from fields like finance, technology, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and more.
Our team members share a common passion for transforming the financial landscape, and together, we work toward our goal of bridging the gap between traditional finance and the world of cryptocurrency.
Wirex has built a global presence with offices in key locations such as London, Italy, Singapore, and Ukraine. Each office plays an integral role in our operations, helping to ensure we can serve our diverse user base across various regions and maintain a high level of service and innovation. Our teams in these offices bring a wealth of regional expertise while contributing to Wirex’s overarching vision of revolutionizing digital finance on a global scale.
Recruiting at Wirex is a highly selective process, and we seek individuals who not only have strong technical expertise but also align with our values of transparency, security, and innovation.
We are open to accepting brilliant minds from around the world to join us in creating a new story. We believe in building a diverse and dynamic team that reflects the global nature of the crypto ecosystem. You can check out our job openings here https://wirex.bamboohr.com/careers
BIC: @trgdoa: Can you provide WIREX’s official Telegram group links and social media links? I have seen many similar groups.
Dmitry: Sure! For official communication and updates, here are the links to Wirex’s official Telegram group and social media profiles:
Make sure you’re following these official channels for the latest news, announcements, and support. If you see other similar groups, please be cautious and make sure they are not unofficial or potential scams. Always rely on the official Wirex links for your safety and security!
BIC: It was the last question of our AMA session!
@DmitryWirex thank you for being here today
Conclusion
Wirex’s move into the U.S. marks a thoughtful step toward making stablecoin payments more accessible and user-friendly. By offering self-custodial control, seamless crypto-to-fiat conversions through Bridge, and integration with Visa’s payment network, Wirex provides a practical solution for those looking to use digital assets in everyday life.
As Dmitry Lazarichev highlighted in the AMA, the focus is on combining the convenience of traditional payments with the benefits of stablecoins, without compromising on security or user control.
With clear use cases for both individuals and businesses, Wirex Pay shows potential to support wider adoption of crypto payments in a way that feels familiar, yet future-ready.